Initiative to install solar cells on rooftops at Alexandria Free Zone to be launched soon

CAIRO – 28 July 2024: Minister of Investment and External Trade Hassan al-Khattib stated Saturday that an initiative would be launched to install solar cells on the rooftops of buildings at Alexandria Free Zone housing 417 enterprises contributing to exports the most.

A number of mechanisms have already been adopted by some investors to reduce emissions and boost the recycling of minerals and water. Hence, the minister began his inspection tour of the zone - spanning over 1,353 feddans - by LORD International Co. specialized in shaving tools, as it does not just do recycling but has also shifted to the use of hydrogen instead of ammonia through EBRD technical assistance. It is also partially relying on solar energy as a source of power.

In the last quarter of 2024, the company will launch the world's first shaver that can be completely recycled, in both the local and global markets. It will simultaneously offer personal care products for men that would serve as alternatives to imported goods.

LORD International Co. is currently introducing two production lines of durable razors with a total capacity of 2.4 million units per month at an initial cost of €15 million. The current production size of the company is 5.5 billion razors and a billion shavers per annum providing 3,200 jobs and exporting to 80 countries.

The next station of the visit was to the largest exporter of ready-made garments to the United States for 17 consecutive years, Alex Apparels. The current total surface area of the firm's plants is 120,000 square meters.

The company is also working on the establishment of three new factories. Two, specialized in ready-garments, will enter service in 2025, while another for weaving and dyeing will start production in 2026. The latter's initial cost is $100 million, and will have a daily capacity of 70 tons.

The minister similarly visited other companies that have adopted efficient operation systems. One is Nile Linen Group whose plants are situated on a total of 70,000 square meters, and that produce 130,000 meters of fabrics per day being the largest Egyptian exporter to Europe.

Another is the Egyptian-German Porcelain Co., which has recently invested LE500 million to introduce four new kilns upping the total of its investments to LE6 billion, adding 750 more jobs to the existing 4,000 and preserving its place as the largest porcelain producer in the Middle East.  

The minister vowed support to the company to increase its exports standing at $20 million as well as its products targeted at the local market with the aim of substituting imports.